I had an interesting experience today. I parked my 2002 Saturn for the day. Went to start it in the late afternoon and it wouldn't. The engine turned over normally and it would run for about 1 second and die. Repeated several times with same result.
Since I was 60 miles from home and had no tools, I started to try to diagnose the problem (no prior symptoms). I turned the ignition to ACC -- radio works fine. Ignition to ON and all dash warning lights came on as normal. However, I noted that my fuel gauge was at empty and did not move so I figured someone siphoned ALL my gas (I had about 1/2 tank when I parked it). Then I noticed that my low fuel light was not on -- that didn't seem to mesh. I also noted that my interior light didn't work but my headlights. turn signals and hazard lights worked. Electric windows worked fine also.
I started checking fuses -- all were fine. However, I noticed that when I opened my door (without the key in the ignition) I heard a rapid warning chime (like my headlights were on -- they weren't, or the key was in the ignition -- it wasn't). That seemed strange also. I tapped on the various relays under the hood to see if there may be an intermittent sticking situation -- no effect.
I called my son to gather my shop manual, extra gas, and some tools and drive to meet me. In the meantime, when I went to lock the doors (via remote), I noticed that the remote seemed to be operating slowly or intermittently and the remote trunk release did not work (although I heard a faint sound from the mechanism). None of this was making any sense.
In anticipation that I would not get it started, I was preparing to rent a tow dolly to return it home. I tried to move the automatic gear selector from PARK but it wouldn't budge. I tried to slip it out of PARK when the car was running for that 1 second period -- no luck. The owner's manual gave a way to bypass the interlock and that released the shifter from PARK. At least I could now get it onto a tow dolly.
Hour and half later, my son arrives. I check the manual for some tips -- no luck. On a whim, I decided to disconnect the battery (negative) cable and leave it off for a few minutes. Once I reconnected the cable, I opened my door and noticed the chimes were not on. Tried starting it and it started right away as if nothing had happened. All dash indicators were normal. My son followed me home without further incident.
I was obviously glad that the problem resolved but now I wonder what I am in for in the future. Was this truly an improbable isolated incident with little likelihood of repeat or is this a symptom of problems occurring in Saturns elsewhere. I doubt there will be any OBDC codes since I disconnected the battery.
I would appreciate any feedback you have on this.